Mentorship programme unlocks rap, dance and street art

PUMA has teamed up with streetwear retailer
Red Rat to offer Kiwis looking to break into the worlds of
music, dance or street art an enviable opportunity to learn
from leading talent within each field. The PUMA x Red Rat
Mentorship Programme will give three aspiring individuals
unrivalled access and an unforgettable experience by pairing
them with a talented mentor to help foster their careers.

Award-winning rap artist MELODOWNZ,
renowned worldwide dancer Bianca Ikinofo
and widely accomplished graffiti and street artist duo
Charles and Janine Williams, are all on
board to share their knowledge and wisdom with the selected
mentees.

Applications are open from 2 September until the
end of the month. The three successful applicants will each
get one-on-one time with their chosen mentor to explore
their passions, dive into challenges and come out the other
side ready to tackle their goals.

Pancho Gutstein,
General Manager of PUMA Oceania, says that PUMA is honoured
to be able to acknowledge the vibrant artists and help them
to pave the way for the next generation.

“Life’s full
of hustlers working on their craft, whether that’s music,
dance, street art or something entirely different. Working
with Red Rat, we want to give three deserving Kiwis a chance
to step up their game. We’re looking for people that will
make the most of this mentorship programme and use it to
unlock the industry for them.

“It’s going to be an
awesome journey to watch and we can’t wait to see the
mentees flourish,” says Gutstein.

Richard Wright, Red
Rat CEO, says the Red Rat team is thrilled to be able to
give back in a meaningful way.

“The mentorship
programme is such an amazing opportunity for our customers
and community. We know how hard it can be to get your foot
in the door and make your dreams a reality.”

THE
MENTORS

Music: MELODOWNZ

Rap
superstar MELODOWNZ is a Polynesian artist based in Auckland
who is widely regarded as one of the driving forces in the
New Zealand rap scene. MELODOWNZ says that he feels blessed
with his musical success and is eager to share his wisdom.

“My musical journey has had a fair share of hurdles and
challenges, but they’ve helped me become who I am. I’m
so grateful to be able to share my music and do what I love
and am stoked to be able to help someone chase their
dreams.”

Dance: Bianca Ikinofo

Bianca Ikinofo is an award-winning urban/hip-hop
dancer and choreographer who has performed all over the
world with the likes of Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez and more.
Bianca was previously a member of The Royal Family and
ReQuest.

Ikinofo acknowledges that, “Throughout my
entire journey as a dancer, I’ve had to learn through
experience and opportunities. However, it would have been so
valuable to have someone guide me, especially in the
beginning. A mentorship is a money can’t buy experience
and I can’t wait to be able to share my knowledge with
someone.”

Artists: Charles and Janine
Williams

During the past 20 years, urban artist
duo Charles and Janine Williams have been creating visual
stories through large scale murals, street art and design
all over the world. Charles and Janine say one of the
greatest things about their art is that it enables them to
connect with people and spaces.

“We’re lucky to be
able to create work all around the world that pushes
boundaries and inspires others. It’s been a challenging
ride, which is why we want to give back and help someone
grow into the most talented artist that they can be.”

THE PROGRAMME: 2 September 2019 – 31 January
2020

During September, New Zealanders over the
age of 18 can apply by uploading a video or image to social
media which demonstrates why they think they should be part
of the programme. Potential mentees can apply through
Instagram using the hashtag #PUMAxRedRat and tagging
@redratclothing, or via Red Rat’s Facebook page by
commenting with their content in response to the competition
post.

The three lucky individuals will be selected in
October by a panel of representatives from PUMA and Red Rat
and the three mentors.

When it comes to what a good
application will look like, Wright says, “You don’t have
to have tonnes of experience under your belt or
out-of-this-world talent. That’s what the mentors are
there to help you with. If you’re dedicated, eager to
learn and inspired, we’d love for you to apply.”

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